Problems in the home and community‐based long‐term care for the elderly in China: A content analysis of news coverage

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the issues that limited the supply of home and community-based Long-Term-Care (LTC) for the elderly, offer essential insights into the sustainable development of China's LTC.Design/methodology/approach: A content analysis of news coverage on 12 major portals in China has been conducted to identify the issues. Findings:The results demonstrate that there are 12 significant problems in the supply of home and communitybased LTC for the elderly. For the service providers, the lack of qualified LTC professionals, limited service types/ low service quality and unrealised integrated care, lack of steady profit patterns are the three major problems. The deficiencies of the LTC system and the lack of incentive policies and legislation for private investors' participation are the two major problems faced by the government. The public is confronted with a shortage of home and community support resources and unable to adapt to a change due to their mindsets. Practical implications:The issues identified in this paper can not only provide some opportunities to various stakeholders in this area but also offer insights into the sustainable development of China's LTC.

The Role of the Built Environment on the Quality of Life for Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Asia: A Scoping Review

“…Compared with the previous review ( Sun & Fleming, 2018 ), innovative methods and broader substantive focus on this topic were observed in the studies included in the present review, which brought about interesting findings and new perspectives. For instance, evidence indicates that more privacy with an increased number of private or double-occupancy rooms, more social interactions among older residents ( Yang et al, 2020 ), and the role of the built environment of care settings in infection control in the context of COVID-19 has been examined ( Wang, 2021 ). Research gaps remain in the field of nursing home environment in the Asian context (Alzheimer Disease International, 2015; Sun & Fleming, 2018 ).…”

“…Additionally, comparative studies were rare in Asia–Pacific, not only between different regions, but also between urban and rural areas and between nursing homes of different natures (i.e., different operating models and financing mechanisms). Third, qualitative studies tended to have conclusions without on-site observational data to support the interview results ( Song et al, 2018 ; Wang, 2021 ); a few studies were limited in the homogeneity of samples or had small sample sizes, making them limited in generalizability. Finally, the quantification of environmental factors such as lighting, ventilation, and visibility lacked unified and reliable standards.…”

“…Overall, the built environmental features of LTC facilities could have a significant influence on QoL of older residents through complex mechanisms, mainly reflected in the impact on quality and efficiency of care and the resident’s perceived autonomy and individuality ( Lee et al, 2009 ; Sawamura et al, 2013 ; Tsuchiya-Ito et al, 2019 ; Wang et al, 2021 ; Xuan et al, 2020 ). In terms of overall spatial layout, it was indicated that the scale or size of the units in the facility could be smaller.…”

“…In the context of the recent epidemic, proper planning, and design of RCF at site, building, and room level (e.g., reception room for visitors and rooms with dedicated toilets) were advantageous for infection control, which could be achieved through three stages, namely keeping COVID-19 from entering, preventing spread, managing infection, and illness ( Wang, 2021 ).…”

“…Content analysis and case study were the most common methods, while quantitative methods were involved in the literature concerning assessment tools. It was suggested that the provision of substandard “places” to the residents, along with other nonstandard phenomena (e.g., ineffective inspection, existence of substandard nursing homes without a license, and lack of qualified LTC professionals), remained a serious problem in contemporary private RCF and an obstacle for development, compromising the resident’s QoL ( Kwong & Kwan, 2002 ; Wang et al, 2021 ). Appropriate planning, policies, and systems could be key to addressing these problems and contributing to the development of the nursing home environment ( Hsieh et al, 2012b ; Traphagan & Nagasawa, 2008 ; Wang et al, 2021 ), especially in rural settings ( Wu et al, 2008 ).…”